Guernsey government has 'no power' over Freeview channels

Nothing can be done to increase the number of Freeview television channels available in the Bailiwick, Guernsey's government has said.

The Home Department said it had no power to influence the channels.

The announcement comes after telecom firm Sure revealed plans to provide extra channels through the internet.

Regulator OfCom said it was an entirely commercial decision and up to individual companies to choose where they broadcast.

The SureTV service is a Freeview box, with other Freeview channels only available in the UK delivered over a broadband connection.

To use it you have to be a Sure broadband customer.

Digital television was first turned on in the Channel Islands in November 2010.

In February ITV added ITV 2 and ITV 3 to the Channel Islands Freeview service.

However, the Home Department said the number of digital channels available through conventional television aerials remained significantly below those on offer in the vast majority of homes in the UK.